The 49ers would be forced to go a different route at defensive coordinator if their top candidate accepts a job elsewhere
The San Francisco 49ers held a virtual interview with their former defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, for the same position last week. A report surfaced that Saleh is a strong candidate and could be offered the position.
Brandon Staley is also considered a strong internal candidate, and if Saleh elects to go elsewhere, the 49ers might turn to Staley.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Saleh has interviews with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday and then the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday for their head coaching vacancies.
Depending on what Saleh wants and how interested the above teams are in hiring a defensive mind to an organization with or needing a young quarterback, the 49ers might not have a choice but to look in a different direction for their defensive coordinator position.
The 49ers will likely interview more external candidates this week. It’ll be fascinating to see the minds Shanahan brings in and to learn what direction he wants the defense to take. Then again, he could have already made his mind up and is hoping Saleh wants to return as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.